NAN-AE-12
Agriculture
By Awayi Kuje
Keffi (Nasarawa State) Aug. 28, 2017 (NAN) Nasarawa Youth Empowerment Forum (NAYEF) has urged youths in the state to embrace agriculture in order to become self-reliant, boost food production and contribute to national development.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Mr Umar Yusuf, gave the advice in Keffi on Monday at an Agricultural Interactive Session organised for youths in the state.
He said that the interactive session was aimed at discussing how to strategise and transform potential in youths into practically-viable achievements, beyond mere theories.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the interactive session is: “Exploring the Youthful Age of Nasarawa Youths for Better Nasarawa State and Nigeria at Large’’.
According to him, if the youth and other Nigerians go back to farms, their efforts will go a long way in fighting poverty, reduce unemployment and boost agriculture in the country.
According to him, no society can live comfortably without agriculture.
“Agriculture is the major source of livelihood of every family and the nation.
‘’Its importance to the development of any society cannot be overemphasised, hence the need for youths to embrace it,” he said.
He said the forum was established to promote peace and unity as well as sustain potential in all facets of life.
“NAYEF will spearhead a new value addition that will unlock the hidden and invisible potential begging to be tapped by youths in the state by fighting all social ills bedevilling the youth.’’
Yusuf also advised Nigerians, especially the youth, to shun idleness and embrace skill acquisition programmes.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Jameel Zakari, also called on the youth to embrace farming, considering its importance to the socio-economic development of the country.
Papers presented at the interactive session include: “Encouraging, Enhancing and Empowering the Youth in Agriculture’’; and “How Do We Encourage Youths’ Participation in Circular politics’’. (NAN)
AKW/AJA/DUA
Edited by Adeleye Ajayi/Dada Ahmed